Portsmouth
Portsmouth PO1 Postcode Insights
PO1 is a postcode area in the Portsmouth district of Hampshire in the south coast of England.
It falls into the postal towns of Portsmouth, Southsea, Gosport, and adjacent localities, covering an area of 8.02 square miles (20.7km2).
The postcode has a population of 38,181 people as of the 2011 census.PO1 covers the actual city of Portsmouth, parts of Southsea, and surrounding areas.
The city part, including Old Portsmouth, the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, falls into the PO1 postcode.
The postal building in Southsea, which is home to postal sorting and delivering, also uses the PO1 postcode.
The PO1 postcode also covers extensive areas of surrounding suburbs and villages, such as Paulsgrove, Cosham, Wymering, Hilsea, and Farlington.Most of the city centre of Portsmouth is covered by the PO1 postal zone, including historic landmarks such as the Spinnaker Tower, the Camber Docks, and the City Museum.
The area also contains a number of shopping centres, open-air markets, and regular town centre street markets for shopping and entertainment.The area is also home to the University of Portsmouth and the University of Chichester, with its campus in Old Portsmouth.
There is also a number of entertainment venues around the city, such as Southsea's Kings Theatre, Wedgewood Rooms, and Portsmouth Guildhall.One of the major roads in the area is London Road, which is the road from London-Portsmouth and London-Southampton via the M275 motorway.
The A2030 Spur Road also passes through the area, connecting to the M27 and the M275 motorways, making PO1 easily accessible from the wider region.Portsmouth is a major port city and a Royal Navy base, with its dockyards and Historic Naval Base, as well as its regular ferry connections to the Isle of Wight.
This means that the PO1 postcode also covers a notable amount of naval and military housing, with many of these properties originally built for naval personnel before being released to the general public.Finally, the PO1 postcode falls within the Portsmouth City Council area, a unitary authority providing all local government services for the city and its surrounding urban areas.
Miscellaneous
PO1 is not just a residential area; it is rich in culture and history. The area is home to several landmarks, shopping centres, and entertainment venues, making it a vibrant place to live. The presence of the University of Portsmouth adds to the youthful energy of the area, while historic sites such as the Spinnaker Tower and the Historic Dockyard enhance its appeal to tourists and residents alike.
Population
Analysing the PO1 population's characteristics, including age distribution and cultural diversity provides valuable insights into the composition of a local community.
Demographics
The PO1 postcode area is home to a diverse population of 38,181 residents. The ethnic breakdown shows that 92.9% of the population is White, with smaller percentages of Asian (2.9%), Black (1.6%), and Mixed (1.6%) ethnic groups. The average age of residents is 43.1 years, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 40.7 years, suggesting a mature community.

Population Growth
2%
per annum
Population growth means that the population of Portsmouth PO1 is increasing by 2% each year.
Across the UK, (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales), the average population grown from 2023-2024 is 0.66%.

Children
20%
of Portsmouth PO1 are under the age of 18 at the time of the Census 2021.

Retired
10%
of Portsmouth PO1 are retired at the time of the Census 2021.
Gender Ratio
49% male
51% female
Gender ratio in census data means the number of males for every 100 females in a population, helping us understand the balance between men and women in a specific area.
Age Distribution
55%
are adults
Age distribution refers to how different age groups are spread within a population, showing the number of people in each age range. This helps understand the population's structure and potential needs.
Age Distribution
"Age Distribution by 5-year bands" in the Census 2021 breaks down the population into groups based on age ranges, each spanning five years (e.g., 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, etc.). This helps to see how many people fall into each age group, providing a clear picture of the age structure in an area.
Living Arrangements
"Living Arrangements" in the Census 2021 refers to people's relationship status and how they live with others. It includes whether someone is married, in a civil partnership, cohabiting as a couple, separated, divorced, or single, and whether they live with a partner, alone, or with others.
Living in a couple (married)
8.5%
Living in a couple (separated)
7.5%
Living in a couple (cohabiting)
7.1%
Not living as a couple
5.5%
Line shows UK average.
Legal Partnership
Legal partnership status of residents in the Portsmouth (PO1) district, offering insights into the diversity of relationship statuses in the area. This dataset classifies residents aged 16+ in England & Wales by their partnership status.
Gender Identity
"Gender Identity" in the Census 2021 refers to how people personally identify their gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It includes options like male, female, non-binary, or other identities, reflecting how individuals see themselves.
Same as sex registered at birth
50.9%
Different from sex registered at birth
27.6%
Line shows UK average.
Deprivation
The age distribution in our postcode area offers a snapshot of its population composition, highlighting trends and diversity across different age groups.
Households by Deprivation Dimension
"Households by Deprivation Dimension" in the Census 2021 looks at how many households are deprived in one or more areas such as employment, education, health, or housing. It measures how many of these basic needs aren't fully met within a household, highlighting different levels of disadvantage.
Work & Employment
The work and employment statistics for Portsmouth Po1 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.
Socio-Economics
In terms of socio-economics, the area shows a varied occupational structure. Higher managerial and professional occupations make up 12.8%, while lower managerial and professional roles account for 22.1%. The area also has a notable percentage of full-time students at 8.1%, likely due to the presence of local universities. The overall socio-economic diversity can appeal to a wide range of residents.
Income Levels
The average salary in PO1 is £28,917, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This income level, combined with the affordable housing market, may attract individuals and families looking for a balance between income and living costs.

Employment Rate
70%
population in work

Unemployment Rate
5%
of the PO1 population
Occupation
"Occupation" in the Census 2021 refers to the type of job a person does, including their role or profession. It categorises people based on the kind of work they perform, such as being a manager, skilled tradesperson, machine operative etc, helping to understand the workforce's makeup.
Managers, directors and senior officials
7.4%
Professional occupations
11.6%
Associate professional and technical occupations
8.3%
Administrative and secretarial occupations
7.8%
Skilled trades occupations
12%
Caring, leisure and other service occupations
14.7%
Sales and customer service occupations
9.4%
Process, plant and machine operatives
11.4%
Elementary occupations
17.3%
Line shows UK average.
Hours Worked
"Hours Worked" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of hours a person usually works each week in their job. It includes categories like full-time (usually 31 or more hours) and part-time (less than 31 hours), helping to understand work patterns in the population.
Part time (15 hrs or less)
10.4%
Part time (16-30 hrs)
22.9%
Full time (31-48 hrs)
58.6%
Line shows UK average.
Unemployment History
This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Portsmouth PO1 aged 16 or older who were listed as being unemployed on Census Day (21st March 2021) by whether and when they were last empllyed.
Unemployed (less than 1 yr)
18%
Unemployed (more than 1 yr)
52.8%
Unemployed (never worked)
29.2%
Line shows UK average.
Economic Activity Status
"Economic Activity Status" in the Census 2021 refers to whether people are working, looking for work, studying, retired, or otherwise not in the workforce. It shows who is employed, unemployed, self-employed, a student, retired, or unable to work, giving insight into the economic engagement of the population.
Economically active (exc students)
48.5%
Economically active (inc students)
2.5%
Looking after home/family
11.6%
Line shows UK average.
Armed Forces
Percentage of people in the Portsmouth (PO1) district who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Note that the data excludes people who were currently serving in the UK armed forces on Census Day, 21st March 2021.
Reserve + regular forces
36.1%
Line shows UK average.
NS-SEC Occupation
The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Portsmouth PO1, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.
Intermediate Occupations
9.3%
Line shows UK average.
Property & Housing
Property and housing statistics for the Portsmouth PO1 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.
House Prices and Affordability
The average house price in PO1 is £100,000, which is significantly lower than the UK average of £288,000. This affordability makes the area attractive for first-time buyers and those looking to invest in property. The lower property prices, combined with the diverse housing options, create opportunities for a range of buyers.
Housing and Property Types
In terms of housing, PO1 offers a variety of property types. The distribution shows that 39.8% of homes are 3-bedroom houses, while 28.6% are 2-bedroom houses. Detached properties make up 24.2%, semi-detached 27.3%, and terraced houses 25%. Flats account for 19.7% of the housing stock, providing options for different lifestyles and budgets.
Tenure of Homes
The tenure of homes in PO1 is diverse, with 37.6% of properties owned outright and 27.1% mortgaged. Social rented homes represent 15.8%, while private rented properties account for 18%. This mix of tenures indicates a range of options for potential homebuyers and renters, catering to various financial situations.
House Types
Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Portsmouth (PO1).
Size (Bedrooms)
This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Portsmouth (PO1), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Portsmouth.
Number of Rooms
This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Portsmouth PO1 area. A room can be any room in a house apart from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, halls/landings/conservatories and rooms used for storage.
Tenure
Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Portsmouth (PO1) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.
Household Size
The number of residents per household in the Portsmouth (PO1) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.
Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)
"Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)" in the Census 2021 measures whether a household has more, fewer, or just the right number of bedrooms compared to what's needed for the number of people living there. A positive rating means extra bedrooms, zero means just enough, and a negative rating can indicate overcrowding.
Occupancy: +2 or more
14.9%
Line shows UK average.
Second Address Indicator
"Second Address Indicator" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a person has another address where they regularly stay, apart from their main home. This could include a second home, a place they stay for work, or a partner's home, indicating how people split their time between different locations.
Second address in the UK
7.7%
Second address outside UK
1.8%
Line shows UK average.
Car or Van Availability
"Car or Van Availability" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of cars or vans available for use by members of a household. It indicates whether a household has access to one or more vehicles, or none at all, providing insight into transport options and dependency on personal vehicles.
Central Heating
"Central Heating" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a household has a central heating system and what type it is, such as gas, electric, or another source. It shows how homes are heated, indicating the comfort and energy efficiency of the housing.
Tank or bottled gas only
0.5%
Renewable energy only
0.1%
District/communal network
4.8%
2 or more types (exc renewable)
8.5%
2 or more types (inc renewable)
0.1%
Line shows UK average.
Education
Schools, education, and learning in the Portsmouth PO1 area are pivotal aspects that shape the development and future prospects of our community's young residents.
Highest Level of Qualification
"Highest Level of Qualification" in the Census 2021 refers to the most advanced qualification or degree a person has achieved. It ranges from no qualifications to advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate, helping to show the education level of the population.
Level 1 and entry level
12.5%
Level 2 qualifications
15.5%
Level 3 qualifications
16.6%
Line shows UK average.
School children & students
"Schoolchildren and Full-Time Students" in the Census 2021 refers to individuals who are either attending school or studying full-time at a college or university. This category includes young people in education and adults who are pursuing full-time studies.
Ethnicity
Ethnicity in Portsmouth PO1 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.
Ethnic Group
Range of ethnic groups in Portsmouth (PO1) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.
Country of Birth
"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in PO1 was born, regardless of their current nationality or where they live when the census took place. It refers to the country in which they were born.
Middle East and Asia
6.1%
Americas and the Caribbean
0.7%
Antarctica and Oceania
0.2%
Line shows UK average.
Length of Residence
"Length of residence" in the Census 2021 refers to the total amount of time a person born outside the UK has lived in the UK. It helps understand how long immigrants have been living in the country, whether continuously or in total over multiple periods.
Year of Arrival
"Year of arrival" in the Census 2021 refers to the year when someone who wasn't born in the UK first came to live in the UK. It helps track when people who were born abroad started living in the country.
Arrived 1951 to 1960
0.3%
Arrived 1961 to 1970
0.5%
Arrived 1971 to 1980
0.5%
Arrived 1981 to 1990
0.8%
Arrived 1991 to 2000
1.4%
Arrived 2001 to 2010
7.9%
Arrived 2011 to 2013
1.9%
Arrived 2014 to 2016
2.8%
Arrived 2020 to 2021
1.5%
Line shows UK average.
Passports Held
"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in PO1 have. This shows the countries or nations where they have citizenship or the right to travel freely. It could include passports from the UK, other countries, or multiple countries.
Middle East and Asia
0.5%
Americas and the Caribbean
0%
Antarctica and Oceania
0.1%
British Overseas Territories
0%
Line shows UK average.
Age of Arrival in the UK
"Age of Arrival in the UK" in the Census 2021 indicates how old a person was when they first came to live in the UK if they were born in another country. It helps to understand at what stage of life they moved to the UK.
Aged 90 years and over
0%
Line shows UK average.
Income
Income in Portsmouth PO1 provides a crucial insight into economic dynamics, reflecting earning levels and financial well-being among residents. Understanding income distribution is key to addressing economic disparities and shaping community initiatives.
Health
Health in the Portsmouth PO1 postcode sector is a vital indicator of well-being, reflecting the overall physical and mental health of our community members.
General Health
"General Health" in the Census 2021 is a self-assessment where people rate their overall health as very good, good, fair, bad, or very bad. It provides a snapshot of how people perceive their physical and mental well-being.
Disabilities
"Disabilities (TS038)" in the Census 2021 refers to data collected about whether a person has a disability or health condition that limits their day-to-day activities. It includes whether these limitations are substantial and long-term, helping to understand the prevalence and impact of disabilities within the population.
Disabled (limited a lot)
10%
Disabled (limited a little)
11.3%
Not disabled (long term condition)
6%
Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)
72.7%
Line shows UK average.
Transportation
Transportation in Portsmouth PO1 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.
Car Ownership and Transport
Residents of PO1 enjoy a higher than average car ownership rate, with an average of 2.32 cars per household compared to the UK average of 1.4. This suggests a reliance on personal vehicles for transport, likely influenced by the area’s accessibility via major roads such as the M275 and A2030, facilitating travel to surrounding regions.
Car Ownership
Distribution of car ownership among households in Portsmouth (PO1), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.
Method of Travel
"Method of travel" in the Census 2021 refers to how people usually get to work. It includes options like walking, driving, taking the bus, cycling, or using the train. This table describes resident's main mode of transport when commuting.
Work mainly at or from home
14.9%
Underground, metro, light rail, tram
0%
Bus, minibus or coach
7.6%
Motorcycle, scooter or moped
0.8%
Driving a car or van
40.5%
Passenger in a car or van
6.8%
Line shows UK average.
Commuting Distance
"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Portsmouth (PO1) usually travel from home to their workplace. It measures the length of their commute, whether it's a short walk or a long drive, helping to understand commuting patterns.
2km to less than 5km
20.2%
5km to less than 10km
10.2%
10km to less than 20km
4.1%
20km to less than 30km
4.8%
30km to less than 40km
1.1%
40km to less than 60km
0.7%
Works mainly from home
15%
Line shows UK average.
Crime
Crime in Portsmouth PO1 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.
Crime Rate
PO1 has a crime rank of 561 out of 32,482, indicating a relatively safe environment for residents. This ranking suggests that the area is less prone to crime compared to many other locations, making it appealing for families and individuals seeking a secure place to live.
Crime statistics coming soon.